Kerala High Court directs Centre to probe 'suspicious' US-Indian survey

The Kerala High Court has raised concerns over a US-Indian survey, saying it could harm national unity. The survey, conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates and TNS India, included sensitive questions that led to tensions within the Muslim community in Thiruvananthapuram.

In Short

• Kerala High Court raises concerns over a US-Indian survey on religious issues
• Sensitive questions in survey allegedly sparked tensions within Muslim community
• Court directs the Centre to investigate, calling the state probe insufficient

The Kerala High Court has directed the Centre to take appropriate action on a controversial survey conducted by a US-based company in collaboration with an Indian firm. The survey, which raised concerns over its impact on national security and inter-religious harmony, was conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates (PSRA), based in the US, with Indian firm Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS India) facilitating its operations.

The court, while hearing a petition from TNS India, expressed surprise at the foreign firm's involvement in a survey that included "dubious" questions. The court emphasised that such surveys could affect the country’s security and unity. It further remarked that the questions related to religious communities were particularly alarming and could undermine the country's secular fabric.

“It is surprising to see that a foreign company is conducting a survey in our country with a bunch of suspicious questions. Our country is a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic,” the court said, stressing that no entity from a foreign nation should conduct surveys without permission from the Central Government.

The survey, conducted in 54 locations across India, included sensitive questions, particularly in Thiruvananthapuram, which led to tensions within the Muslim community. The Kerala Police registered a case under Section 153B(1)(c), which includes punishment for those who make or publish statements that promote disharmony and Section 34, which deals with acts done by several people to commit crimes, of the IPC after complaints that the questions could hurt religious sentiments.

According to PSRA, the survey aimed to help clients understand the traditions, values, and attitudes of the country. However, Kerala Police's investigation suggests that the study's true purpose was to create emotional conflict among religious communities, particularly the Muslim community, and potentially disrupt communal harmony.

The court noted that an investigation by the state police alone was insufficient and directed that the report be forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs within one month. The case is being closely monitored as it raises questions about the oversight of foreign companies conducting sensitive studies in India.

TNS India had initially moved the court to quash the case registered against them, arguing that the survey was intended for socio-political research. The court, however, remains concerned about the potential ramifications of such surveys on national unity.